Sandy Thomson’s star has previously been owned by the trainer’s wife Quona but has been bought by Patricia Thompson who won the Aintree showpiece with Party Politics in 1992.

The 10-year-old is said to be primed after his belated comeback at Newbury by the Borders handler who confirmed that he will be partnered as usual by Brian Hughes.

The 10-year-old comfortably made the final 40-strong line-up for the National yesterday and will carry an attractive burden of 10-11 in the big race.

The Grand National is fast approaching (Image: Liverpool Echo)

The other Scottish contender Captain Redbeard also made the cut and Willie Coltherd’s gelding will shoulder 10-6 in the 4m 3f spectacular. The top-weight is Minella Rocco (11-10) while leading fancies Blaklion (11-9) , Total Recall (11-4) and Tiger Roll (10-12) all stand their ground.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said going could ride on the slow side on Saturday after an unsettled forecast for the Aintree area.

■ Last year’s National runner-up Cause Of Causes has been retired by trainer Gordon Elliott after his poor run in last month’s Cheltenham Cross-Country.

■ Footpad will miss Saturday’s Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree. Willie Mullins withdrew the Arkle hero from the Grade 1 after a dirty scope although he hopes to have him fit for the Punchestown Festival.

Nicky Henderson can gear up by striking at Southwell with WITH DISCRETION (4.05) . The seven-year-old cosily defeated decent yardstick Bee Crossing on her hurdling debut at Towcester and looks good to make improvements.

FRANKIE BALLOU (2.00) can take a trappy handicap chase for trainer Joanne Foster. after being denied a hat-trick by Oak Vintage at Sedgefield.

SHE’S GINA (2.10) is a name to remember on a competitive card at Hereford while Lucy Wadham is hitting form and can land the staying hurdle with GAME ON (3.10) .